The Sudanese Alliance for Rights (SAR) strongly condemns the horrific drone strikes carried out on 8 December 2025 in the Katila area, South Darfur State. The attack, carried out by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), resulted in the killing of more than one hundred people and left others injured, including children and women. The deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, particularly schools and markets, is an outrageous violation of international humanitarian law and represents yet another assault on the lives and dignity of the people of South Darfur.
This is not the first drone attack on the region. Communities in the Darfur region have endured repeated aerial assaults that have overwhelmingly struck civilian areas and objects, including educational facilities. These attacks reflect a clear and disturbing pattern of disregard for civilian protection and constitute serious violations that may amount to war crimes under international law. The use of armed drones in populated areas, especially near schools and residential areas, reveals a reckless and unlawful strategy that places children and other vulnerable groups directly in harm’s way.
SAR calls for an immediate and independent international investigation into the drone strikes, including a complete assessment of responsibility, accountability, and the chain of command involved. We urge the United Nations, the African Union, and all relevant international bodies to take swift action to ensure that those responsible for these unlawful attacks are identified and held to account. The people of South Darfur and the region as a whole have faced decades of violence, marginalization, and impunity. Their suffering must not be ignored, and their right to protection must be upheld.
We also call for urgent humanitarian access to the affected areas to assist the injured, support traumatised families, and provide essential services to communities living under continuous threat. Schools and other civilian spaces must never be turned into battlefields.
As the conflict in Sudan continues to claim innocent lives, SAR reiterates its unwavering commitment to documenting violations, amplifying the voices of victims and survivors, and advocating for justice, accountability, and lasting peace. The children and families of Katila deserve truth, protection, and the assurance that such crimes will never be repeated.
Sudanese Alliance for Rights (SAR)
9 December 2025
